I believe that teachers should not teach their opinion. Teachers have a lot of influence over their students. According to the Lawrence School Board Policy, teachers aren’t allowed to use school time or items to promote a political party, campaign, or anything to do with politics not related to the school curriculum. Also, teachers are required to present all of the material in a fair and accurate fashion.

School isn’t supposed to be biased and teachers telling students their opinion would make it one-sided. For example, telling a student that their topic is a bad idea, that would be a one sided opinion and would be unfair to the student. Also, teachers telling their students that the government was wrong about a bill would be biased, because the bill could’ve helped other people and some would say they were right to pass a bill. Teachers aren’t allowed to put limitations on a student just because they disagree with their thinking.

Would you want your child to agree with something they hardly know anything about just because their teacher told them. Teachers are hired to inform students about accurate facts not their own idea of the topic. Sadly this is occurring more and more when someone feels very strongly about the subject.

Jake, your topic might have sucked. Putting limitations on a student is not a black or white decision. If you don't know something, then you look to OTHERS (teachers, books, elders, google, etc...) for knowledge. Yes, you can be potentially steered wrong, but until you have some info. you aren't any position to critique facts from opinion. Keep developing your critical thinking skills. Most teachers have your best interest in mind (some are better than others at inspiring you to chase your goals).

Jake, was your letter to the editor an assignment given to you for a merit badge in scouting? If so, and even if not, I commend you for a clearly written letter. As far as your topic, it is a rare teacher who presents a variety of views and allows students to openly debate those views. The ability to do such is where the learning truly begins.

So, should a history teacher not comment that the Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional and not designed to protect the Union, but rather stifle criticism of the administration, and infringe on the right of the states?Should the teacher not comment on the gross injustice of the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision, where the United States Supreme Court that ruled that people of African descent imported into the United States and held as slaves, or their descendants—whether or not they were slaves—could never be citizens of the United States, and that the United States Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories?Granted, commentary on how some integers are more attractive than others during Algebra Class may be unnecessary, but some topics require subjective commentary. Perhaps we should never expose students to opinion, so that they never learn to differentiate between opinion and fact?

Jake, when my daughter was at Central Junior High they tried to teach her that the Indians volunteered to leave the East Coast and migrate to Oklahoma. Then when oil was discovered they wanted to give it to the white man.Well, I told her different.You have to fight to keep your individuality and develop your own opinions and ideas. But, all though life you will encounter people who try to discourage you and manipulate you.Stick in there! Don't let them.Remember what they told Obama when he was growing up? Wasn't true was it?